Mark A. Collin created a method of implementing Social Emotional Learning (SEL) into elementary schools. What is SEL? It is a group of skills to help children manage their own attention to become powerful learners. The skills help them to manage emotions, care for others, establish positive relationships, make responsible decisions, control their focus and solve problems.
Collin’s method is called “Toolbox”. It is a set of 12 tools that give children a concrete way to solve problems and interact with others in a positive way. The kids learn that their brain is resilient; they can train it to react to situations in certain ways. This video is from a 3rd grader that gives a brief description of the 12 tools and tells (in a very powerful way) how it has affected him.
The 12 tools are the following: breathing tool, quiet/safe place tool, listening tool, empathy tool, personal space tool, using our words tool, garbage can tool, taking time tool, please and thank you tool, apology and forgiveness tool, patience tool, and courage tool. They are very easy language and the kids can use and implement them on a daily basis. Backed by Richard Davidson's neuroscience research, these types of methods for teaching SEL will bring kids up to be able to control their anger, have better relationships, and lead to happier future adolescents and adults.
I think this is a good idea, mostly the part that lets kids know in the very beginning that they can control their emotions. Their brains adapt and they are the ones in charge of making themselves happier. Here at Mines, I see a lot of people that just sit around wallowing in their sorrows. They like to feel sorry for themselves and let others know how unhappy they are. WE control our happiness. If you aren't happy right now, change it. If you are surrounded by people who are also unhappy, find some friends that love life. School is hard but there are plenty of ways to train your brain to have a better outlook on life.
I think this is a good idea, mostly the part that lets kids know in the very beginning that they can control their emotions. Their brains adapt and they are the ones in charge of making themselves happier. Here at Mines, I see a lot of people that just sit around wallowing in their sorrows. They like to feel sorry for themselves and let others know how unhappy they are. WE control our happiness. If you aren't happy right now, change it. If you are surrounded by people who are also unhappy, find some friends that love life. School is hard but there are plenty of ways to train your brain to have a better outlook on life.
I really like this. I feel like my six-year-old could really use this. I could use this!
ReplyDeleteBut it's hard to implement these things at home. They work well in the classroom, but my kids seem to need to blow off steam when they get home. But this is a great heuristic for self-awareness.